Chandigarh, September 17, 2026: A meeting of the Chandigarh Heritage Committee was held under the chairmanship of Shri H. Rajesh Prasad, IAS, Chief Secretary, U.T. Chandigarh-cum-Chairman of the Committee, to consider the proposed amendments to the Chandigarh Master Plan 2031.

Shri Diprava Lakra, IAS, Finance Secretary-cum-Secretary, Urban Planning, U.T. Chandigarh, made a detailed presentation on the proposed amendments.

Addressing the meeting, the Chief Secretary said that Chandigarh’s planning framework must evolve in a balanced and responsible manner to meet the changing needs of its citizens while safeguarding the city’s unique architectural and heritage identity. He emphasised that the rationalisation and simplification of planning provisions would help reduce procedural difficulties, bring greater clarity and facilitate the appropriate use and development of properties in accordance with present-day requirements.

He further stated that the proposed amendments are aimed at providing greater convenience to residents, industrialists, traders and other commercial stakeholders. The measures would particularly address the evolving needs of citizens and establishments in Phases II and III of Chandigarh by enabling more practical, transparent and responsive planning provisions. Such reforms would encourage economic activity, support the growth and modernisation of industrial and commercial establishments, and improve the overall ease of living and doing business in the city.

The Chief Secretary stressed that development and heritage conservation must complement each other. In view of the extensive public consultation, scrutiny by the Screening Committee and detailed deliberations held during the meeting, he urged the members of the Committee to approve the proposed amendments so that the same may be placed before the Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, for the approval of the competent authority. He said that the amendments would enable planned and balanced development while safeguarding Chandigarh’s historic planning principles and distinctive urban character.

Sh. Diprava Lakra informed the Committee that no changes had been proposed in Phase I of the city, comprising Sectors 1 to 30. In Phase II, the provision for stilt parking would be permitted only for to be constructed government flats, thereby ensuring that the heritage character and planning balance of the city remain protected. He also briefed the members about the amendments proposed for Phase III of Chandigarh and their likely implications for planned development. It was also informed that the benefit of enhanced FAR/Covered Area will be extended to both Arcthitecturraly controlled Industrial Buildings amd to those governed by zoning parameters. FAR for Industrial Buildings has been to 2 irrespective of plot size.

The presentation further covered the existing provisions, observations received from stakeholders and the need to address the city’s evolving urban requirements.

Following the presentation, comments and suggestions were invited from the members of the Committee, Administrative Secretaries and representatives of various departments present at the meeting. The proposals were discussed in detail, keeping in view Chandigarh’s heritage character, contemporary development needs, ease of doing business, public convenience and the principles of planned urban growth.

Present during the meeting were Shri Mandip Singh Brar, Home Secretary; Ms. Prerna Puri, Secretary, Engineering; Shri Amit Kumar, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh; Shri Nishant Kumar Yadav, Deputy Commissioner; Shri D. Karthikeyan, Chief Executive Officer, Chandigarh Housing Board; Shri Rajiv Mehta, Chief Architect; Shri C.B. Ojha, Chief Engineer; Shri M.L. Sarin, Advocate; Shri Rajnish Wattas; and Shri Kapil Setia, former Chief Architect.